Join the Largest community adopting children from foster care
Heart Gallery
How to Become a Foster Parent
Many foster parents and families serve many children over several years because they find the experience meaningful and rewarding
These children will grow up to be Florida's next generation of employees, leaders and parents, and as a foster parent you can help them succeed. If you want to be a part of helping them become productive, thriving members of our communities – and enhance your and your family’s life in the process – please send an inquiry form to the Heart Gallery of Sarasota:
Qualifications to Foster
The support of a caring foster parent can change the life of a child. If you can provide love and stability, you are a perfect candidate. Knowing that reunification with biological parents is the goal, you will be giving a child a head start in life.
At a minimum a foster parent must:
- Be at least age 21; no upper age limit if healthy
- Attend a 21-hour foster parent training class
- Pass a full background screening for self and every person living in the home
- Have stable housing and income without dependency on public assistance
- Be willing to work with social workers/case workers, other professionals, and the child’s biological family
- Have adequate and appropriate sleeping space for a child. Sharing a room with another child of the same gender is acceptable, if space permits.
- Be motivated to have the child reunify with their family
Attend an Information
Meeting
Learn about foster parenting from professionals who will give an overview of the child welfare system and the supports available to foster parents. You will find answers to your questions and feel more confident moving forward in your fostering journey. Meetings are a no pressure environment where the goal is to inform and assist.
